Kiler Canyon
(S. Millich rides the fire road of Kiler Canyon in Paso Robles)
For fifteen miles you will enjoy rolling through farms, vineyards, and ranches. This is mostly a road ride, with approximately five miles on fire road. This is a very scenic ride and a fun loop.
Take highway 101 North to Paso Robles and take the Spring Street Exit. Quickly take the 1st Ave. exit and drive to Vine Street. Turn left on Vine and park in the Marriot Hotel parking lot. Kiler Canyon Road is across the street. There are a few dirt turn outs on Kiler Canyon Road, but they were narrow.
Clear your odometer and head out on Kiler Canyon Road. You will ride a paved road (slightly rolling) to the two mile mark where the pavement ends and the fir road begins. As you ride the fire road you will pass through a small number of private residences, but the road is public.
At the three mile mark you will pass a sign indicating that the road is no longer maintained by the county, and it will begin to narrow into a double track. There will be private roads coming in from the perimeter at times, but stay on the double-track for the duration of the dirt section.
At the five mile marker you will come to a fork in the road. The left is towards a private residence. Turn right here and parallel a vineyard on your right. You climb somewhat steeply until you come to yet another Y intersection. Turn right at the cairn and continue on.
Just a bit farther and you’ll soon arrive at the paved Peachy Canyon Road. If you are a wine taster you are in luck. There are MANY wineries to visit as you descend seven miles on Peachy Canyon Road. Look out for the drunks as you coast down a sometimes steep descent. There is one section of uphill on Peachy Canyon Road that lasts about a mile. It is not difficult, and just gives you more time to spend on your bike.
You’ll soon find yourself passing the Paso Robles City limit sign at a good clip. Just past the sigh is Olive Steer. Turn right and take it back to Vine. Turn right on Vine and ride the last half mile back to the car, ending at 15 miles round trip.
